Job Description – Salary, Education and Career Guide for Becoming a Substitute Teacher

If you enjoy working with children or teens, and are not ready for the commitment of a full-time teaching position, substitute teaching may be the perfect job for you. Substitute teachers are an important part of any student's school years, allowing education to continue uninterrupted when regular classroom teachers are unavailable.

Job Description

Substitute teachers fill in for regular teachers during their absence, continuing the educational process for the students. They can work in public or private schools and may teach at any grade level. Substitute teachers follow lesson plans, give out assignments, manage classroom discipline and teach new concepts. While the work is similar, there are some important differences between a substitute teacher job and that of a regular classroom teacher. Substitute teachers must:
  • adapt quickly to unfamiliar curriculums, lesson plans and situations
  • evaluate unfamiliar student's abilities and needs in a short time period
  • travel to different classrooms and schools as the need arises.

Substitute teachers can enjoy sharing knowledge and interacting with young students during regular school hours. Other benefits of becoming a substitute teacher include:

  • benefits packages offered in some districts
  • competitive pay (up to $200 per day in certain areas)
  • flexible schedule
  • gaining teaching experience and earning money while pursuing a teaching degree and certification
  • the chance to establish contacts in school districts, leading to permanent teaching positions.
It is important to understand that a substitute teacher’s work environment can often be stressful due to disrespectful, unruly students and unfamiliar situations. Excellent classroom management skills are a must for anyone considering a substitute teaching job.

Salary Guide

Salary for substitute teachers varies greatly depending on school and geographic location. Pay is competitive however, and can be as high as $200 per day. Both the daily pay and the number of days worked annually will determine a substitute teacher's yearly earnings.

Education and Training

Requirements for substitute teachers vary from state to state, and tend to be less strict than those for regular classroom teachers. Iowa is the only state requiring certification for substitute teachers, and most states do not require any formal classroom training to become a sub. While having a bachelor's degree is an excellent credential, 28 states will hire substitute teachers with only a high school diploma or GED.
 
Finding a job as a substitute teacher involves applying with individual school districts. You will need to fill out an application form with each district and may have to pass a general knowledge exam in math, reading and writing. Some states require a background check and some classroom training. Since educational and certification requirements vary depending on school and location, it is important to check with each district to determine if you meet these requirements.

Prior Work Experience

While employers prefer previous teaching experience for substitute teachers, it is not necessary. Any experience working with children will be helpful during an interview.
 
Due to a severe shortage of substitute teachers in many parts of the United States, you should easily be able to find a substitute teaching job right after completing your schooling. Some school districts have gone as far as recruiting PTA parents, college students and even high school students for substitute teacher jobs.

Advancement Opportunities

Jobs for teachers in general are expected to experience above average growth through 2016, creating room for eventual advancement to full-time teaching.
 
Substitute teachers often advance to become full-time teachers. In order to be hired as a regular classroom teacher, substitute teachers must first earn a Bachelor's degree, and if they want to work in public schools, obtain a state license. After gaining these credentials and teaching full time for a number of years, teachers may advance to other positions such as:
  • administrators
  • counselors
  • principals.
Some teachers also eventually become instructors in college education courses.

Related Associations and Groups

For more information about substitute teaching you may want to contact:
  • American Federation of Teachers
  • National Education Association.

 

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